James Harrison

46-Year-Old LinebackerLB

Free Agent

2024 Defense Stats

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SACKS

0.0

INT

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2024 Fantasy Outlook

There was no outlook written for James Harrison in 2024. Check out the latest news below for more on his current fantasy value.

Height 6'0"

Weight 242

DOB 5/4/1978

College Kent State

Announces retirement

LBFree Agent

April 16, 2018

Harrison announced his retirement Monday on Instagram.

ANALYSIS
Harrison requested his release from the Steelers in December and subsequently signed with New England, where he recorded eight tackles in three playoff games. A recent report suggested he would continue his career, but the 39-year-old linebacker apparently hasn't received any offers to his liking. Harrison did retire once before back in 2014, only to change his mind after the first few weeks of the season. A late-blooming undrafted free agent, Harrison has piled up 793 tackles, 84.5 sacks and 34 forced fumbles in 192 regular-season games, displaying rare longevity for a pass rusher. He played with the Bengals in 2013 and the Patriots at the end of last season, but otherwise spent his career in a Steelers uniform.

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2017

2016

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2024 James Harrison Split Stats

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Past Fantasy Outlooks

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2015

2013

2012

2011

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2005

Father Time has nothing on Harrison, after a 2016 campaign in which he totaled 50 tackles, including 5.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception. Thought to have been his final season, Harrison surprised many when he inked a two-year deal with the Steelers only two months shy of his 39th birthday. He’ll return as a starter, but will also serve as an on-field mentor to first-round pick T.J. Watt.

At 38 years old, Harrison is the oldest defensive player in the NFL. Already lured from retirement once, he is likely in the final season of his illustrious career. He proved he still has some gas in the tank, recording five sacks, an interception and two forced fumbles in 2015, but probably not enough for IDP consideration except in the deepest of fantasy leagues.

At 37, Harrison is slated to return to provide veteran leadership to a young group of Steelers linebackers, and will compete with Jarvis Jones for the starting right outside linebacker position.

Harrison's six sacks last season were his fewest since 2006, but the 34-year-old should continue to be a pass-rushing force for the Bengals in 2013.

Even though he’s a 3-4 outside linebacker, Harrison has consistently shown the freakish ability to approach the 100-tackle mark, which in past years easily made him the top IDP at the position. The reason he’s behind DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller, though, is because he underwent two back surgeries prior to last year and heads into his age-34 season in 2012. He was just about as productive as ever in the 11 games he played last year (he missed games due to suspension and a fractured orbital bone), totaling 59 tackles and nine sacks, but those back surgeries raise the specter of imminent decline.

It’s difficult to overstate just how remarkable Harrison is. He’s the only 3-4 outside linebacker in the league with the ability to produce triple-digit tackles, and he still manages to be an elite pass rusher and turnover machine. In addition to 378 tackles the last four years, Harrison has totaled 45 sacks, four interceptions and 25 forced fumbles. There’s no weak spot to be found – Harrison is a constant terror in all phases of the game, and offensive coordinators seem no closer to figuring him out now than they were in 2007. In leagues that provide big rewards for sack production, Harrison might be the top linebacker IDP to target.

Harrison doesn’t rack up as many tackles as other elite IDP linebackers — until you factor in tackling the quarterback. The Steelers’ primary pass-rush threat has racked up 34.5 sacks the last three seasons — 16 in 2008 alone — and posted 10 last year. Like the Steelers as a whole, he finished the year in disappointing fashion, failing to record a sack in his last six games and totaling just 79 tackles. If he returns to the 100- tackle mark he had the previous two seasons, he’ll be a difference maker.

Harrison nearly doubled his career high in sacks last season, dropping opposing quarterbacks 16 times on his way to a Steelers record and NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors. Records and accolades don’t count for much in IDP leagues, though, and Harrison’s tackle totals – 99.5 average the last two years – are what separate him from the elite fantasy defenders. His fantasy numbers depend on high sack totals, which can be inconsistent from year to year.

Harrison won the starting job last season and proved he can put up quality stats. He racked up career highs with 8.5 sacks and 87 tackles. Harrison dealt with offseason troubles stemming from a domestic dispute, but all charges were dropped. Expect Harrison to be on the field for the Steelers and producing at a fantasy worthy level.

Harrison will attempt to pick up some of the slack left by the release of Joey Porter. Harrison is on the smallish side (6-foot, 242-pounds) and missed five games with injury in 2006. He had three sacks and a pick in 2005 has never established himself as a starter.

Harrison won't put up fantasy numbers worthy of an IDP spot, but he just may well be the team's scariest, if not toughest, defender. Harrison, who recorded just 45 total tackles (36/9) with three sacks, puts the fear of God in opposing offenses with his hitting ability. Nicknamed "Silverback" by his teammates.

Harrison walked in off the street in the summer of 2004 and ended up becoming a key contributor on defense. Coach Bill Cowher has lauded Harrison's ability to gain leverage with his stocky build (6-0, 242 lbs) in training camp. He's a competent defender on the Steeler's defense, but not worthy of an IDP pick. He finished with one sack and one fumble recovery in 2004.

More Fantasy News

Intends to play in 2018

LBFree Agent

April 6, 2018

Harrison hopes to continue his playing career in 2018, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports.

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Signs with New England

LBNew England Patriots

December 26, 2017

The Patriots signed Harrison to a contract Tuesday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

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Released by Steelers

LBPittsburgh Steelers

December 23, 2017

The Steelers opted to release Harrison on Saturday.

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Absent from injury report

LBPittsburgh Steelers

December 2, 2017

Harrison (knee) was not listed on the Steelers' final injury report heading into Monday's game versus the Bengals.

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Not practicing Thursday

LBPittsburgh Steelers

Knee

November 30, 2017

Harrison (knee) did not participate in practice Thursday.

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